Mountain Bike Trails near Cincinnati, Ohio

Many people regard Cincinnati as one of the top 50 places to live in the U.S. With its vibrant culture, lovely outdoor parks, and strong job market, it’s not hard to see why it’s such a hit with Americans. Additionally, there is also a wide range of outdoor trails that make the greater Cincinnati area a firm favorite with local and visiting mountain bike enthusiasts.

Best Mountain Bike Trails near Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati
What better way to spend your leisure time or vacation than enjoying the Ohio River and its streams, rivers, and creeks views? The Ohio River Trail is paved, making it perfect
4.7 mi
Cincinnati
If you are seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can find your peace among the downtowns of Cincinnati across the water in Covington’s Devou Park.
12 mi
Cincinnati
Many short trails have the reputation of providing easy challenges, but that is not The Falls trail. This trail is surprisingly a good challenge for mountain bikers who want
1.4 mi
Cincinnati
Are you bored and tired of the easy mountain bike trails? Riding through the Mitchell Memorial Forest Mountain Bike Trail in Cincinnati may be how you challenge yourself to
8 mi
Cincinnati
Whether you live in Cincinnati or you are visiting, the Harbor Loop Trail at Winton Woods Park promises a fairly easy ride that takes you through the most beautiful parts of
1.8 mi
Cincinnati
OverviewLocated just a stone's throw away from Cincinnati, Ohio, East Fork State Park is a haven for cycling enthusiasts. With approximately 8 miles of trails to explore, the
8 mi
Cincinnati
Built and opened in July 2019 by the Cincinnati Off Road Association (CORA), this newly introduced trail has rapidly attracted the attention of the city's mountain biking
3.9 mi

Cincinnati, Ohio: Area Description

Situated on the north bank of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is spread against a range of hills that create the picturesque landscapes the city is well-known for. The area also boasts an elevation of 959 feet above sea level.

Land area 206.26 km²
Minimum Elevation 482 ft
Maximum Elevation 959 ft

Demographics of Cincinnati

Cincinnati boasts an estimated population of 308 935 which makes it the largest metropolitan area in Ohio. This also means that Cincinnati is the 30th largest city in the U.S. For most of its history, Cincinnati was listed among the top 10 U.S. cities in terms of population.

The top reasons that make Cincinnati such a top place to live include the following:

  • Diverse economy
  • Low cost of living
  • Family-friendly neighborhoods
  • Variety of recreational options
  • A high number of available jobs

Another interesting fact about this popular city is that it features the 5th largest economy in the U.S. By September 2022, Cincinnati’s unemployment rate had dropped to an impressive 3.3% below the national average.

Total population 308 935 (2021)
Population density 3,808.9/mi²

Climate of Cincinnati

Since Cincinnati borders on a subtropical climate zone, you can expect hot and humid summer temperatures. Rainfall is also very prevalent, and the region sees significant rainfall every month. July is usually the warmest month, with temperatures that average around 76°F.

Winters are often cold and snowy, with the coldest months—January and February—having temperatures in the lower 30s. On average, Cincinnati has about 22 inches of snowfall every year. Cyclists wanting to take advantage of the scenic trails should keep in mind that thunderstorms are quite common in warmer months. It’s necessary to check the weather before planning a day on the trails.

Average Temperature by Months and Seasons

Month Average Temperature
January 31°F
February 34°F
March 44°F
April 54°F
May 64°F
June 72°F
July 76°F
August 74°F
September 67°F
October 74°F
November 45°F
December 35°F

Infrastructure

Getting around Cincinnati is remarkably easy since the area is serviced by the SORTA, TANK, and Clermont Transportation Connection bus services. Interestingly enough, about 20% of Cincinnati’s workforce makes use of one of these services. Additionally, there’s also a Streetcar that operates all year round.

Bike trails are easy to navigate, visibly marked, and very accessible, with many having more than one entrance. Some of the trails also boast benches where families can sit and take in the scenery.

Sights and Landmarks in Cincinnati

The top reason that Cincinnati is so popular with visitors is that the whole area is brimming with character, attractions, and culture. In addition to a wide range of exciting and scenic bike trails, there are also a bunch of interesting things to see and do. Some of these include:

Loveland Castle: Also known as the Castle and Museum Chateau, the castle was built to honor the strength and grandeur of ancient knights.

Findlay Market: As Ohio’s oldest public market, this exciting gem is located just a few blocks away from downtown Cincinnati. The market is open year-round and has over 50-full time merchants offering a wide variety of stalls.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park: Art lovers will enjoy a visit to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. It features 300 acres of outdoor sculptures as well as an Ancient Sculpture Museum that has a comprehensive display of Greek, Egyptian and Roman antiques dating back to 1550 BCE—a real treat for art and history buffs alike.

The Cincinnati Dinner Train: This popular dinner train operates every Saturday, and guests get to dine in one of four restored 1950’s era cars.

FAQ About Trails in Cincinnati

What is the longest bike trail in Cincinnati?

Riders looking for a longer trail will enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail which spans an impressive 78 miles and is situated in Newton. As a shared trail, it’s also excellent for hiking and running.

What are some of the best mountain bike trails in Cincinnati?

The good news is that Cincinnati has no shortage of fabulous trails that are on the must-do list of both locals and visitors. Three of the more popular of these include the following:

Ohio River Trail: With a length of almost 5 miles and an elevation gain, this trail is easy enough for beginners to complete in under two hours. The trail is also open year-round.

Harbor Loop Trail: Situated in the Winton woods, this trail is 2 miles long, and since it’s a relatively flat surface, it’s ideal for beginners, hikers, runners, and even road biking.

The Falls: This intermediate trail boasts excellent berms and amazing views and has an elevation gain of 239m. The creek crossing on the trail needs to be crossed a total of three times to complete the whole trail.

Are there trails listed as moderate in Cincinnati?

While there are many easy trails ideal for beginners, experienced riders may be looking for something a little more challenging. Trails listed as moderate include:

  • Winton Woods Riding Centre Horse Trail
  • Harbin Park Orange Trail
  • Kingfisher Trail